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Shieldwall Academy #3
Elemental Battleground: A LitRPG Academy Adventure
Ancient ruins and forbidden treasures. Cunning enemies and close knit allies. One student team on an expedition facing numberless hordes.
Pax, the audacious street rat turned mage, leads his eclectic crew into the heart of the Northern Purge—a wilderness expedition teeming with monsters and political adversaries. They develop their forbidden elemental powers in a race to gain power before their adversaries can destroy them.
A frantic search unearths the ancient light mage headquarters, a trove full of treasures and fraught with dangers. With enemies close behind them, Pax and his team, aided by a growing cadre of loyal pets, plunge into the heart of the hidden mysteries. Racing against time, they solve intricate puzzles, enlist allies, and confront guardians protecting the vital secrets and prizes they need to survive.
Elemental Battleground is an adventure full of battles, concealed riches, and a building rebellion against a teetering empire. Pax has to stay ahead of his enemies if he wants to triumph. Can he and his friends gain power fast enough? Will the faltering and corrupt empire destroy him, or will the revolution in its midst succeed first? Time is running out.
With over 1.5 million Royal Road views and counting, this epic LitRPG series is a must-hear for fans of action-packed fantasy. Dive into a world of magic, mystery, and rebellion today!
Each book is 750+ pages and 20+ hours of Whispersync audio—click to delve into the saga!
Pax, the audacious street rat turned mage, leads his eclectic crew into the heart of the Northern Purge—a wilderness expedition teeming with monsters and political adversaries. They develop their forbidden elemental powers in a race to gain power before their adversaries can destroy them.
A frantic search unearths the ancient light mage headquarters, a trove full of treasures and fraught with dangers. With enemies close behind them, Pax and his team, aided by a growing cadre of loyal pets, plunge into the heart of the hidden mysteries. Racing against time, they solve intricate puzzles, enlist allies, and confront guardians protecting the vital secrets and prizes they need to survive.
Elemental Battleground is an adventure full of battles, concealed riches, and a building rebellion against a teetering empire. Pax has to stay ahead of his enemies if he wants to triumph. Can he and his friends gain power fast enough? Will the faltering and corrupt empire destroy him, or will the revolution in its midst succeed first? Time is running out.
With over 1.5 million Royal Road views and counting, this epic LitRPG series is a must-hear for fans of action-packed fantasy. Dive into a world of magic, mystery, and rebellion today!
Each book is 750+ pages and 20+ hours of Whispersync audio—click to delve into the saga!
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
First published August 2, 2024
137 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 5, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book to review (I enjoy the books so much I joined the advanced reader group do I could read them sooner!) but this in no way affects my review.
In this third instalment of the Shieldwall Academy series Pax, his immediate friends and his wider band of allies join together outside the protective walls of the academy and city, as he and his expanded team join the wilderness Purge. The Purge sends teams of all experience levels out into the wilderness to find and kill beasts. The older (and richer) students are given the more powerful and valuable beasts to purge while the lower beast are given to the younger student.
The wealthy teams are well equipped, while the poorer students are not and are more likely to die than their rich counterparts the same age. Before leaving on the Purge, Pax and his vipers have worked hard to level up their magical elements and have worked together to buy the best armer and weapons they can buy to prepare themselves to survive.
We see Pax and his group strive to make the gold coins they will need to pay for their second year of the academy, while at the same time they search for the lost Light Mage Academy.
This series has it all for a reader who loves fantasy: good characters, a cause, and the fight against beasts and evil (that/who come in many different forms).
Pax’s brother Titus continues to search for him, while participating in the rebellion, and taking care of the younger Viper gang children who he and Pax had to leave behind when they were taken forcefully from their towns by the mages.
The books are LitRPG, but for those who just want to enjoy a good fantasy story, you can skip the parts where they detail the levels of the characters:)
In this third instalment of the Shieldwall Academy series Pax, his immediate friends and his wider band of allies join together outside the protective walls of the academy and city, as he and his expanded team join the wilderness Purge. The Purge sends teams of all experience levels out into the wilderness to find and kill beasts. The older (and richer) students are given the more powerful and valuable beasts to purge while the lower beast are given to the younger student.
The wealthy teams are well equipped, while the poorer students are not and are more likely to die than their rich counterparts the same age. Before leaving on the Purge, Pax and his vipers have worked hard to level up their magical elements and have worked together to buy the best armer and weapons they can buy to prepare themselves to survive.
We see Pax and his group strive to make the gold coins they will need to pay for their second year of the academy, while at the same time they search for the lost Light Mage Academy.
This series has it all for a reader who loves fantasy: good characters, a cause, and the fight against beasts and evil (that/who come in many different forms).
Pax’s brother Titus continues to search for him, while participating in the rebellion, and taking care of the younger Viper gang children who he and Pax had to leave behind when they were taken forcefully from their towns by the mages.
The books are LitRPG, but for those who just want to enjoy a good fantasy story, you can skip the parts where they detail the levels of the characters:)
November 7, 2024
Book three
I've been reading this story since it first appeared on Royalroad. It's one of the first stories that I left comments on, if not actually the first.
I have a bad habit of trying to build up chapters so that I can binge read. This has led to more than one book getting published with me being only halfway through.
That happened with this book. Luckily I didn't delete the story when I fell behind and the author didn't change any chapter titles.
This allowed me to pick up where I had left off.
Since I was already so deep into the story, (chapter Storage Ring) I didn't go looking for mistakes. So none will be listed on Goodreads.
This has been a great story and I feel like there is still plenty left to tell.
8/10 One of the better stories on Royalroad in my opinion.
I've been reading this story since it first appeared on Royalroad. It's one of the first stories that I left comments on, if not actually the first.
I have a bad habit of trying to build up chapters so that I can binge read. This has led to more than one book getting published with me being only halfway through.
That happened with this book. Luckily I didn't delete the story when I fell behind and the author didn't change any chapter titles.
This allowed me to pick up where I had left off.
Since I was already so deep into the story, (chapter Storage Ring) I didn't go looking for mistakes. So none will be listed on Goodreads.
This has been a great story and I feel like there is still plenty left to tell.
8/10 One of the better stories on Royalroad in my opinion.
October 5, 2025
Excellent continuation of the story and so much more!
Pax and his crew continue to be challenged by myriad forces against them, while finding help in unexpected people along the way. Driven by his own desires to get stronger and protect the ones he cares about, his drive to make things better for others like him and those he left behind pushes him deeper into the arms of the rebellion. Pax and his crew dance a delicate balance between looking out for themselves and supporting the rebels. There's more history about light mages and some interesting obstacles and blessings as they seek out and strive to restore the hidden HQ of the light mages.
I'd write more, but book 4 is calling my name and I can't wait to answer it's call.
Pax and his crew continue to be challenged by myriad forces against them, while finding help in unexpected people along the way. Driven by his own desires to get stronger and protect the ones he cares about, his drive to make things better for others like him and those he left behind pushes him deeper into the arms of the rebellion. Pax and his crew dance a delicate balance between looking out for themselves and supporting the rebels. There's more history about light mages and some interesting obstacles and blessings as they seek out and strive to restore the hidden HQ of the light mages.
I'd write more, but book 4 is calling my name and I can't wait to answer it's call.
October 13, 2025
Elemental Battleground is the third book in this series, and I'm enjoying the series. In this piece of the series, we find an ancient training facility, which of course leads to conflict because both sides want to claim it, we find out a bit more about one of the main character's enemies, and interestingly enough, we find more friends too. Along with upgrades in skills, spells, and of course levels. It's all very well done, and I'm off to read the next book in the series now.
August 5, 2024
Each book gets better and better! I love how we get to see all of the characters -- including the beasts -- grow in their powers and their found family. The worldbuilding for this series is excellent, the characters are smart and fun, and I like how we're getting more insight into how magic works as well as some surprises (that work.) I like how Pax uses his tactical skills in the fight scenes in new and clever ways. Highly recommended read and I can't wait for the next book!
I got this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
I got this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
July 26, 2024
As another reader said,
"Well worth your time". It was certainly worth my time to read this RPG book. I can see the characters interacting and growing with each other. The comeaderie, the action, the prot xting each other, a family. That what they are a family of misfits at a magic academy, working to keep their sudden "a fluent" life, being mostly orphans, street kids, unwanted. But they change their own destiny.
Get the book and cheer on the group.
"Well worth your time". It was certainly worth my time to read this RPG book. I can see the characters interacting and growing with each other. The comeaderie, the action, the prot xting each other, a family. That what they are a family of misfits at a magic academy, working to keep their sudden "a fluent" life, being mostly orphans, street kids, unwanted. But they change their own destiny.
Get the book and cheer on the group.
August 12, 2024
Captivating
This is one of those series where you set a reminder for the due date of each book, because you can’t wait to read the next one. I’m enjoying both the storyline and character development, and there’s just enough information given to show you there’s a much bigger story developing in the background as we get a few chapters here and there to progress that side of things too. Can’t wait for the next one!
This is one of those series where you set a reminder for the due date of each book, because you can’t wait to read the next one. I’m enjoying both the storyline and character development, and there’s just enough information given to show you there’s a much bigger story developing in the background as we get a few chapters here and there to progress that side of things too. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 13, 2024
Wow. I love, Love, LOVE this book. With so many Beast Companions now, it almost makes my head spin. And has the promise of more beast's to come, I can hardly wait! The stage has finally been set in this penultimate book... but I wanna warn you that the book is unputdownable, and that when put it down that you'll not be able to stop your brain from worrying about all the characters!
So latch onto this action-driven audiobook, 'cause M Zaugg and JS Arquin has a story to tell you!
So latch onto this action-driven audiobook, 'cause M Zaugg and JS Arquin has a story to tell you!
August 14, 2024
Love this series
I love the continuity of the series. The author does not have so many story lines that you can't keep up with. The narrator speaks very clearly. I bought on kindle but have grandsons who are 16 and 13 so I am buying physical copies for them.already pre-ordered book number 4.
I love the continuity of the series. The author does not have so many story lines that you can't keep up with. The narrator speaks very clearly. I bought on kindle but have grandsons who are 16 and 13 so I am buying physical copies for them.already pre-ordered book number 4.
August 14, 2024
Best book yet! I loved that it began with a recap of the previous books. That is so helpful when starting a book in a long series like this. There is a lot of advancement in this book which is great because I tend to like OP MCs so to see the MC get more powerful makes me happy. The plot was a lot of fun and it ends with a bang which sets up the next book beautifully.
October 28, 2024
Loved It!
I've been disappointed lately in my litrpg options. Whether they say something negative about God, lack adventure, stats or loot. This book was a nice mixture of looting, full of adventure and world building. I literally finished a book a day, couldn't put it down. Can't wait until book 4, only downside, it won't be available until next year.
I've been disappointed lately in my litrpg options. Whether they say something negative about God, lack adventure, stats or loot. This book was a nice mixture of looting, full of adventure and world building. I literally finished a book a day, couldn't put it down. Can't wait until book 4, only downside, it won't be available until next year.
December 28, 2024
Good LitRPG
The third in the series, this book has a few annoying continuity issues with the first two, as well as a tendency to lean HEAVILY on the suspenseful inner monologue during fights and important plot events. Besides that, I enjoyed the story and plan to read the fourth book.
The third in the series, this book has a few annoying continuity issues with the first two, as well as a tendency to lean HEAVILY on the suspenseful inner monologue during fights and important plot events. Besides that, I enjoyed the story and plan to read the fourth book.
Read
September 8, 2024Good Stuff!
Really enjoyed the escalation in this series' plot lines. MC is believably flawed, with a good crew of friends. The orphan Vipers bring a dash of humanity's social injustice to light. The intrigue of the rebellion is growing and I'm excited for the next book!
Really enjoyed the escalation in this series' plot lines. MC is believably flawed, with a good crew of friends. The orphan Vipers bring a dash of humanity's social injustice to light. The intrigue of the rebellion is growing and I'm excited for the next book!
October 1, 2024
Another great book in the series.
With the third book in the series down, I have to say it has been a fun ride. The story makes you care for the crew and the wily Mc. But with big changes at the end, it will be interesting to see what comes next!
With the third book in the series down, I have to say it has been a fun ride. The story makes you care for the crew and the wily Mc. But with big changes at the end, it will be interesting to see what comes next!
November 14, 2024
Good story
It's a good story in general but I feel that is a bit rushed, in the sense that we are 3 books in and we've only covered a hand full of months. Time skip or something to make their strength progression more realistic.
It's a good story in general but I feel that is a bit rushed, in the sense that we are 3 books in and we've only covered a hand full of months. Time skip or something to make their strength progression more realistic.
January 15, 2025
Really like this series
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. It is a very interesting world with leveling up, rebellion, and beast waves. Did I mention a hidden magic ability and the Inquisition?
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. It is a very interesting world with leveling up, rebellion, and beast waves. Did I mention a hidden magic ability and the Inquisition?
April 14, 2024
Amazing, really excited for book 4!
July 24, 2024
This book is an excellent continuation to the series! I really enjoyed where the story is going. I would definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
August 5, 2024
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
September 25, 2024
Exciting book! 4.5/5 stars!
Characters are basically inside of a video game (or role-playing game) but they think it's real. Great progress throughout the book with a big payoff at the end.
Characters are basically inside of a video game (or role-playing game) but they think it's real. Great progress throughout the book with a big payoff at the end.
December 5, 2024
good read
Very enjoyable book. All of this series so far has been great. Good characters and like the street rat to powerful mage
Very enjoyable book. All of this series so far has been great. Good characters and like the street rat to powerful mage
January 12, 2025
Another great read
I absolutely devoured the other books and now I'm caught up and have to wait for the next one in the series. I'm not even mad. These are great.
I absolutely devoured the other books and now I'm caught up and have to wait for the next one in the series. I'm not even mad. These are great.
February 15, 2025
Enjoyable series
Great series so far. I am really enjoying it. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, as I am truly excited to read it.
Great series so far. I am really enjoying it. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, as I am truly excited to read it.
March 20, 2025
+1 for a recap
April 28, 2025
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
August 19, 2025
The rush to level up as much as Pax can before they leave for the Purge is on! Yet another epic instalment of this young man’s life and his increasing magical powers: and let’s not forget his talented crew of Rin, Amil, Dahni, Tyrodon, Bryn and Tasar, as well as companions. Together they are formidable. Mage Greybrew continues his onslaught of despicable efforts to expose whatever Pax is hiding: what it is, Greybrew doesn’t know, just that there is something. Follow along as they work their way through whatever besets them such as beasts, Greybrew and his cronies, and fellow students, as they fight to find the ruins of Light Headquarters hopefully to bring more enlightenment for Pax and his Light Magic.
I received my copy for free, and am happily leaving this review voluntarily.
I received my copy for free, and am happily leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews